After allegations of sexual misconduct and a toxic workplace, Ellen DeGeneres ends her TV show
Following allegations of sexual misconduct and a toxic workplace, Ellen DeGeneres ends her show
The decision comes after reports from Buzzfeed News detailed a series of allegations from employees in the workplace that included sexual misconduct, racism and harassment.
Representatives for the series were not immediately returned for comment, but in a statement Wednesday, DeGeneres said its upcoming 19th season will be its last.
She also framed the decision as the show no longer being a creative challenge.
“When you’re a creative person, you constantly need a challenge, and as great as this show is, and as funny as it is, it’s no longer a challenge,” DeGeneres said.
The news was reported by the Daily Mail.
The decision to end her EMMY-winning show comes after reports from BuzzFeed News detailed widespread allegations from current and former employees, including that three of the show’s executive producers oversaw a work culture in which sexual harassment and inappropriate touching were pervasive.
In her message, DeGeneres said she had relied on others to continue on a day-to-day basis, but added, “My name is on the show and everything we do and I take responsibility.”
In August, DeGeneres announced the firing of executive producers Ed Glavin and Kevin Leman, and co-executive producer Jonathan Norman.
But her apology failed to stem the fallout. Months later, the show was losing advertisers, struggling to sign A-list celebrities and suffering a ratings slump at what is usually its busiest time of the year.
DeGeneres said she had been thinking about leaving the show for several years, but was convinced to stay.
